Return of the Haze
It is tempting to blame the farmers. After all, they are the ones burning down the trees in the first place. But it is understandable that a farmer would burn down pristine forest for his own selfish gain. Each farmer wants to maximize his own self-interest by burning down trees for fertile land. In fact, land clearing may even produce rich profits with minimal environmental damage, if only a limited number of farmers do it.
The Indonesian case is a classic example of the theory of the "tragedy of the commons." All the farmers work in their own self-interests, and each by himself probably profits, but they do not contribute to the common good, and actually undermine it in several ways. The thick cloud of smog has produced not just lung problems, but all the secondary effects: raised tensions with neighbors, a loss of credibility in the international community, and a serious blow to Indonesia's usually booming tourist industry.
These financial impacts should be enough for any nation to rethink its forest clearing policies. But Indonesia's blatant disregard for human life and safety should be all the more reason to revoke clearing licenses, and to punish severely those companies who have abused their permits. In the past, Indonesia has been focused on the short-term bottom line, and has thus been unwilling to take such extreme measures. In the long run, though, the harsher impacts are clear. The fact that the government cares more for the farmers who would burn down Indonesia's forests then the average Indonesian forced to breathe unsafe air is a strong indication that Indonesia's priorities are in desperate need of rethinking.
The current social instability in Indonesia does not mix well with the smog. Suharto recently issued a new ban on protestors, many of whom are protesting the government's lack of leadership on the haze issue (in addition to the usual protests, such as protesting the lack of democracy, barriers to freedom of speech, and restrictions on the freedom of assembly). After the collapse of the rupiah, in which people saw their life savings suddenly cut by up to 70 percent for reasons beyond the control of most Indonesians, many were understandably upset. Even more upsetting is the widespread perception, partially justified, that the IMF is bailing out banks and rich businessmen, and ignoring the plight of the common man. The combination of public sentiments is fomenting dissatisfaction at best,
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